13 out of 17 VC posts vacant in Odisha Universities, to be filled within few months: Governor

OdishaGovernor and Chancellor of state universities, Hari Babu Kambhampati, on Friday announced that all the vacant Vice Chancellor (VC) positions across the state’s public universities will be filled within the next two to three months.

Speaking during an interaction with journalists, the Governor acknowledged that the absence of regular Vice Chancellors has significantly disrupted academic functioning in many universities. At present, 13 out of 17 universities in the state are functioning without full-time VCs, being managed by in-charge officials. This has created serious academic and administrative hurdles, especially in core teaching activities.

The Governor emphasised that the delay in appointments will soon be addressed with urgency, and the state can expect appointments to be completed in the near future.

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In addition to higher education concerns, the Governor also expressed serious concern over the high rate of school dropouts, particularly among female students in tribal regions. He noted that girls in these areas are disproportionately affected, and stressed the need for targeted efforts to bring them back into the education system.

The Governor also spoke strongly against the rising incidents of violence against women in the state. Referring to recent cases in Balasore, Gopalpur, and Durgapur, he said such crimes must be met with swift and stringent punishment.

“If there is fear of punishment, criminals will think twice before committing such acts,” he said.

He urged authorities to strengthen legal measures and ensure women’s safety across the state. His comments come at a time when Odisha is witnessing growing public concern over women's safety and education in underserved regions.